What is Ohio Known for? Discover Ohio’s Famous Facts, Foods, and Landmarks

A quintessential Midwestern state, Ohio is known for many things, from the gorgeous Cuyahoga Falls and rock n’ roll to its manufacturing history and views of Lake Erie. But if you’re considering moving to the Buckeye State, you may be wondering what else Ohio is known for.

At Redfin, we’ve got the answers for you about what Ohio is famous for. Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Columbus or rent an apartment in Cleveland, keep reading to find out what makes Ohio a great place to live.

Thriving economy and job opportunities

Ohio has a long-standing history in the manufacturing sector, which remains one of its main industries. Other industries include healthcare and education with major corporations like Cleveland Clinic, Procter & Gamble, and Kroger contributing to the state’s economy.

Ohio’s top five employers

• Cleveland Clinic
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
• Procter & Gamble
• Kroger
• University Hospitals

Popular tourist attractions

• The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Cleveland, this iconic museum celebrates the history and impact of rock and roll music through exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia.
• Cedar Point Amusement Park: Located in Sandusky, the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” you’ll find a thrilling array of roller coasters and other rides.
• Hocking Hills: This region in southeastern Ohio has stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails. Some of the popular attractions include Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls.
• National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: Located in Dayton, this spot is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum. Exhibits trace the history of aviation and showcase a vast collection of aircraft, from early pioneers to modern jets and spacecraft.
• Amish Country: Particularly around Holmes County, you’ll see a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Amish community. You can tour Amish farms, enjoy homemade meals at family-owned restaurants, and shop for handcrafted furniture and goods.

Famous regional cuisine

Ohio’s culinary scene blends Midwestern comfort food with influences from German and Appalachian traditions. Cincinnati chili, served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, is a distinctive regional specialty. Buckeyes, chocolate-covered peanut butter balls resembling the state nut, are a popular sweet treat. You can also try Lake Erie perch and pierogis, that reflect the state’s culinary influences.

Top restaurants in Ohio

• The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro in Columbus
• Hofbräuhaus in Cleveland
• Mabel’s BBQ in Cleveland
• The Golden Lamb in Lebanon
• Lindey’s in Columbus

Music history and arts scene

Ohio is known for its rich music history, particularly as the birthplace of rock n’ roll, and other genres like funk, R&B, and punk. Events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland draw music enthusiasts from across the nation.

Cities like Columbus and Cincinnati have plenty of theaters, music venues, and galleries that showcase both local talent and international artists. The state is also home to esteemed cultural institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cincinnati Art Museum, which feature world-class collections.

Five great places to catch a show in Ohio

• Playhouse Square in Cleveland
• Ohio Theatre in Columbus
• Taft Theatre in Cincinnati
• Agora Theater & Ballroom in Cleveland
• Newport Music Hall in Columbus

Did you know? Ohio is the only state with an official “rock song,” called “Hang On Sloopy.”

Picturesque landscapes

Ohio’s natural land formations range from the rolling hills of the Appalachian Plateau in the southeast, where the Hocking Hills region features stunning rock formations and waterfalls, to the flat plains of the western part of the state. The Lake Erie shoreline provides sandy beaches and scenic views, while the Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers picturesque river valleys and wooded hills. You can also find some of the best lakes in Ohio to live on.

National and state parks in Ohio

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Located near Cleveland, this park preserves the natural beauty of the Cuyahoga River valley, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and historic sites.
• Hocking Hills State Park: Known for its stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and hiking trails, Hocking Hills offers opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring caves.
• Mohican State Park: Situated in central Ohio, Mohican State Park features the Clear Fork Gorge, hiking trails, a covered bridge, and opportunities for camping and canoeing along the Mohican River.

Top-notch higher education

Ohio boasts prestigious universities and colleges such as The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, Bowling Green State University, and Miami University, offering world-class education and research opportunities.

Professional and collegiate sports teams

• Cleveland Browns (NFL)
• Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) 
• Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
• Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
• Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
• Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
• Ohio State University Buckeyes (Competing in NCAA Division I sports)

Popular Ohio phrases

In Ohio, you’ll encounter a diverse array of expressions reflecting the state’s heritage and proud sports culture. 

• “Buckeye” pride, which can refer to the beloved Ohio State University or the state tree whose nuts are a local favorite. 
• “Skyline” chili is a Cincinnati staple served over spaghetti.
• “The Three C’s” refers to Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
• “The Jake,” isn’t a person, but the nickname for Progressive Field. 

More things Ohio is known for

• Birthplace of Aviation: Ohio proudly claims the Wright brothers, who conducted their pioneering flight at Kitty Hawk, NC. The Wright Brothers were born in Ohio, marking the state’s pivotal role in the history of aviation.
• The Buckeye State: Ohio’s nickname, the Buckeye State, honors its state tree, the Ohio buckeye, known for its distinctive nut resembling a buck’s eye.
• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Situated in Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors to American football.
• Manufacturing legacy: Ohio has a rich industrial history, particularly in manufacturing sectors such as automotive, steel, and aerospace, contributing to the state’s economic development and job creation. For example, Akron is known as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” for its history in tire manufacturing.

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